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Jackson Jr. Says He Won't Run For Chicago Mayor

CHICAGO (AP) - U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. says he's not running for mayor of Chicago.

The congressman released a statement Monday saying he plans to continue to work on issues in his district, including building a new airport. He's running for re-election Nov. 2.

The 45-year-old Jackson says he won't endorse anyone in the race for mayor, thrown open when Mayor Richard M. Daley said he wouldn't seek a seventh term.

Jackson denies allegations that he knew an Indian businessman offered to raise $6 million for now-ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich in exchange for appointing Jackson to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.

The married Jackson also acknowledged he'd had a female "social acquaintance."

His decision was first reported by the Chicago Tribune.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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